"Why did this hotel catch your attention? Outside on the west-facing fall you'll spot a huge Shepard Fairey mural. Inside, the colorful and modern lobby, with sunken leather sofas, mismatched Oriental carpets, and bold wallpaper with pops of red and orange, energizes and impresses. Tell us all about the rooms. Any tips on what to book? White walled, with upscale accents and cheery houseplants, the rooms are sparer than the colorful lobby and restaurants. If possible, opt for a room with a west-facing window so you can wake to the blue beauty of Puget Sound. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? Wi-Fi is fast and free. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? Locals love Ben Paris, the State Hotel's ground-floor restaurant, for its crispy fried chicken sandwich, delicious cocktails, and whimsical wallpaper featuring giant pheasants and snakes. It also has a terrific pastry counter with to-go treats. How was the service? It's Smooth, friendly, and veers toward the casual. What type of travelers will you find here? This is Seattle’s trendiest hotel, and the crowd reflects that. Fashionable and mostly young, guests are here to see the city—and post plenty of Instagram stories along the way. What about the neighborhood? What else is here? Pike Place Market. The Seattle Art Museum. Nordstrom's elegant flagship store. All of downtown Seattle's delights are right out the door. Although it's generally safe to walk around the area, solo travelers should be cautious late at night. Bottom line: Worth it? Why? Reasonably priced and perfectly located, the State Hotel makes a great case for itself as the go-to perch for Seattle tourists." - Jessica Voelker
